In this post you can see how we worked with one client to create an effective Category Manager job description for them.

Our client found that job descriptions in the market, and particular those for Category Managers, were written badly. Badly because they mainly had no objectives or measures for the Category Manager. They asked us to write a Category Manager job description using our experience of Category Management. We did and they loved it. The Category Manager job description is below.

Title of the Job

Category Manager

Where the Role Sits within the Team, Department and Wider Business

Category Manager responsible for x number of staff, called the ‘Commercial team’. The Commercial team is accountable for delivering the sales and profit for the group.

Who the Role Reports to and Other Key Interactions

Reporting to the Site General Manager, who is responsible for the production of the site, who in turn reports to the UK General Manager. Key interactions will be with the Site General Manager, your team, and the customer, <supermarket>.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Managing and leading the categories to achieve the company’s budget.

Managing and leading the categories to achieve the customer’s targets.

Managing and leading your team to achieve the internal and external targets.

Scope for Progression and Promotion

There is an opportunity to progress to the title of x within 18 months. Beyond this the opportunities within the company are vast and the 3 most likely opportunities are to become x, y, or z.

Required Education and Training

The ideal candidate would have x years as a category manager or account manager. Have worked with <supermarket> for x years. And be able to demonstrate, through examples, an ability to win new business, manage a team, and lead a category.

Location and Travel Requirements

You will be based in <location>, on-site, with your team. You are likely to meet with <supermarket> at their Head Office once per week. Holding face-to-face meetings with the other countries is essential to achieve your targets and you are expected to be visiting one country every other week.

Remuneration Range and Benefits Available

The salary is £x per year, paid every x.

Other benefits include:

1

2

3

The Organisation’s Culture and Identity

The company’s strategy is simple and clear. We focus on 3 key elements:

X

Y

Z

The Company’s Values

Our values are:

A

B

C

The Company Culture

The Company’s culture can be described as:

<company culture>

Summary of this Category Manager Job Description

The advantage of using this job role for a Category Manager is that they are measured. This means that the individual can achieve job satisfaction by knowing that what they do makes a difference. Plus the company can understand how the individual performs, which is in stark contrast to many Category Managers that have ‘woolly’ targets’.

About Darren A. Smith

Darren has been working in the world of UK Supermarkets and Suppliers for over 20 years. He began his career as a buyer at one of the big 4 UK supermarkets and after rising through the ranks he decided to leave after 13 years and set-up Making Business Matter. For the last 14 years he has run MBM, which is a training provider to the UK grocery industry. Helping suppliers to the big four supermarkets to develop the soft skills that will secure them more profitable wins.